The Symmes Creek Canoe Caper is about far more than just cleaning up its namesake.

The annual event, now in its 16th year, is really more about taking pride in our community, taking care of our natural resources and instilling the value of civic involvement in our youth.

Hosted by the Symmes Creek Restoration Committee, the volunteer event is a great way to give something back and enjoy the great outdoors at the same time.

The activities begin at 9:30 Saturday morning at the boat ramp in Chesapeake.

Anyone interested in the caper only needs to show up at the creek starting at 9:30 a.m. with a canoe. Lunch will be at noon and a canoe donated by the National Wild Turkey Federation will be raffled off at that time.

The late Art Ferguson, the founder of the environmental preservation group, would be proud to know that something that he held so dear continues to thrive and grow nearly every year.

“It is to draw attention to the creek and give people something to be proud of,” said Grayson Thornton, chair of the Symmes Creek Restoration Committee.

Mission accomplished and here is to at least another decade and a half of success.